"The Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) is an all-Ireland organisation whose mission is to encourage excellence in Irish Film and Television by providing a platform for inspiration, creative development and collaboration across the entire industry."

The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) was founded in 2003. The Irish Academy's aim is to stimulate original and creative production work and encouraging excellence through recognition, education and leadership in film and television. The Irish Academy is a Founding Member of FAN-E (Film Academies Network of Europe.) Academy members are over 1,000 Irish professionals working in film and television industry across fourteen chapters of discipline including directing, writing, acting, producing, cinematography, craftsmanship and technical.

To Encourage high standards of art and technique in persons engaged in production work and to celebrate excellence through the annual Awards Ceremony.

To raise the profile of Irish talent & production, by actively promoting Irish excellence within the Academy and ensuring that achievements are recognised and respected throughout the world.

To Establish an academic programme of activities to nurture and encourage emerging Irish talent.

IFTA has also established an official archive/catalogue of photography, publications, formal records of Nominees & Winners from the past eleven years to ensure an accurate and comprehensive history of the Academy and its Members for future generations.

The Irish Film & Television Academy established a London network in August 2011. Through IFTA London Members have access to unique networking opportunities outside of Ireland. Irish talent is showcased to the UK industry and Members are invited to engage with and meet London based film/TV professionals. This initiative aims to help forge new relationships and initiatives between the creative industries in Ireland and the UK. The London Branch is also open to Irish creative talent who frequently travel to work in the UK. The Academy has also extended its Membership to international members and invite a core group of International Jury Members to bring the work of Irish talent to the attention of prominent industry representatives across the world.

The John Ford Ireland Film Symposium John Ford Ireland was founded by the Academy in 2011, inspired by the work of one of the worlds greatest filmmakers, Irish American John Ford. The first three-day Symposium took place in June 2012 and welcomed Dan Ford (grandson of Ford and Committee Member of John Ford Ireland), renowned US Director Peter Bogdanovich, Kyle Eastwood and Band, US Composer Christoper Caliendo who conducted the RTE National Orchestra in the digitally remastered and rediscovered Ford's The Iron Horse. Other guests and participants since 2012 include Patrick Wayne and Marisa Wayne, Directors Stephen Frears, Bertrand Tavernier, Jim Sheridan, Neil Jordan, Whit Stillman, Ben Wheatley, Brian Kirk, Ken Girotti,Julian Jarrold, John Crowley, Kieron J. Walsh, Cinematographer Sean Bobbitt along with US renowned film historians and authors, Joseph McBride, Scott Eyman, Glenn Frankel. Events across the three days are open to the Public, many of which are free for people to attend. Events include the Ford Industry Hub, Directors Panel, Writer Panel, Producers Panel - Actors Forum, In Conversation With, rare FORD Screenings, Masterclasses, Outdoor Screenings and family fun.

The Irish Film & Television Awards are a yearly awards ceremony that recognizes Irish talent and creativity in film and television. The first ceremony was held in November 2003 in Dublin, Ireland and was hosted by James Nesbitt. Recipients are given a cast bronze statuette and awards are given in several categories.

Aside from the annual Awards Ceremony, the academy carries out over 30 events annually for its members and the Public. Events such as In Conversations With, Annual TV Lecture, Industry Breakfasts, Panel Discussions with Cast & Crew, First Look Screenings and the Annual John Ford Ireland Film Symposium.